The Obama administration today is expected to announce new procedures for screening U.S.-bound airline passengers based on personal traits rather than nationality. Under the revised system, travelers from all countries would be subject to special screening if their personal characteristics matched intelligence about potential terrorism suspects, including physical description, partial name, and travel pattern. The new measures replace the mandatory screening of travelers from 14 countries considered “state sponsors of terrorism.” Is this a better way to screen for possible attackers, and are there any issues with civil liberties?